KR20200003670A - Modular Smart Sensor - Plug Platform Device and Modular Smart Sensor-Plug System - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a modularization smart sensor-plug platform device and a modularization smart sensor-plug system using the same. The modularization smart sensor-plug platform device includes a plurality of modularized sensor modules and communication modules; and a mounting slot enabling the modules to be selectively and detachably combined. A user can form a desired composition by conveniently selecting and mounting only sensor and communication modules suitable or necessary for an application target such as a monitoring target facility or environment. If necessary, the user can add or replace types of sensor and/or communication modules afterward. A control part can automatically recognize the mounted sensor and communication modules, and control the modules for normal operation by executing an operation program for the modules. The modularization smart sensor-plug system includes: at least one modularization smart sensor-plug platform device; a processing part making a determination by analyzing a detection signal of the sensor module, and then, transmitting the determined processing signal to the modularization communication part or operating part; and the operating part performing operation on a predetermined operator based on the determined processing signal received from the processing part.

Description

Modular Smart Sensor-Plug Platform Device and Modular Smart Sensor Plug System {Modular Smart Sensor-Plug Platform Device and Modular Smart Sensor-Plug System}

The present invention relates to the field of smart plug technology, and more particularly, a smart sensor-plug platform device capable of selectively and variably configuring means for monitoring electrical energy and the environment by combining IoT technology and sensor technology, and using the same. The present invention relates to a smart sensor plug system.

With the development of technology, various types of smart sensors have been developed and used for industrial sites and homes. For example, the current sensor, water pressure sensor, temperature sensor, etc. in conjunction with the IoT technology to inform the operator of the current power consumption, water pressure status, temperature level, etc. via a smartphone app, the operator can control this through a relay, etc. Fragmentary smart sensors that make this possible are some commercially available. Smart plugs are also used to effectively measure the use of electrical energy, to use the results of the measurement for various purposes, and to effectively cut off the supply of electricity for the efficient use of electrical energy.

The need for effective monitoring and control of the production environment continues. For example, implementing a smart factory requires monitoring a wider variety of objects and environmental elements than ever before. As the number of objects and environmental factors to be monitored increases, a means and method are required to monitor various control and environmental factors and process them in various ways to take proactive measures in terms of safety and productivity.

Recently, smart plug has been developed as a sensor complex that can add various types of sensors to measure and control the use of electrical energy and monitor various factors. The type of monitoring sensor and the type of communication method may be different depending on the monitoring object, element, working environment, and communication environment. Existing sensor complex smart plug is composed of a non-replaceable type by adopting a fixed type of communication means supporting a specific type of monitoring sensor and a specific type of communication method. That is, the type of the sensor and the communication means constituting a smart plug is determined in advance and made into an integrated structure with the smart plug body, so that the type of the sensor and the communication means cannot be replaced with another.

Depending on the object to be monitored or the working environment, the elements to be measured may be current, temperature, humidity, current, vibration, concentration of a particular gas, or a combination of other factors. As such, the number of types of measurement elements and their combinations can vary widely. This means that the number of sensors to be used and the number of combinations can vary as much. When the smart plug is composed of a sensor buddhism type, a number of types of smart plugs with sensor combinations must be manufactured according to the type of measurement elements and the number of combinations required for each monitoring object and working environment.

The same applies to the communication method. Supported communication methods may vary by country or region. In addition, the communication methods and communication environments supported in the workplace to be monitored are also very diverse. For example, short-range wireless communication methods include radio frequency identification (RFID), Zigbee, Infra-red Data Association (UlDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), Blutooth, WiFi, and Near Field Communication (NFC). The communication methods include GSM, Radio Modem, Wireless spread spectrum microwave, Satellite communication, and Short Wave Communication. The communication unit of smart plug should be prepared according to the communication method supported by the monitoring target or working environment. It is inefficient to have all kinds of communication units in one smart plug. But if you don't know what to monitor or what environment you want to monitor, it's not a simple matter of deciding which communication unit should be in one smart plug. This is even more so when the communication unit is provided as a fixed type that cannot be replaced after the sensor like the sensor.

1. Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0000538 (Smart Plug) 2. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0060708 (Smart Metering Terminal)

The present invention can be operated by automatic recognition by selectively mounting the sensor and communication means of the desired type, modular smart sensor of modular assembly structure that can be removed or replaced with a new sensor and communication means if necessary -To provide a plug platform device.

In addition, the present invention can be installed by selectively mounting a sensor and communication means of the desired type can be operated by automatic recognition, and modularized structure of modular assembly that can remove or replace the mounted sensor and communication means as needed It is to provide a modular smart sensor plug system that can configure and remotely control the sensor system that can monitor the environment and equipment operation optimized for the conditions of the monitoring target or working environment using the smart sensor plug device.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described problems, and may be variously expanded within a range without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The modular smart sensor-plug platform apparatus according to the embodiments for realizing the object of the present invention includes a platform body, a power transmission unit, a control unit, a modular sensor unit, and a modular communication unit. The power transmission unit includes first and second electrical connections electrically connected to an external power source and a load, respectively; And an electric wire path for electrically connecting the first and second electrical connecting parts, and provided in the platform body. The control unit is installed in the platform body and executes a predetermined built-in program to perform control. The modular sensor unit includes a plurality of sensor modules, a plurality of sensor module mounting slots, and a sensor module interface. The plurality of sensor modules are configured as modules that are physically independent of each other, and detect a physical or chemical amount or a change of a predetermined object and output the detection data. The plurality of sensor module mounting slots are provided so that the plurality of sensor modules can be selectively detachably mounted as necessary. The sensor module interface electrically connects one or more sensor modules respectively mounted in the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to the control unit. The modular communication unit includes a plurality of communication modules, a plurality of communication module mounting slots, and a communication module interface. The plurality of communication modules are configured independently of each other and may communicate with the outside in different communication methods. The plurality of communication module mounting slots are provided so that the plurality of communication modules can be selectively detachably mounted as necessary. The communication module interface electrically connects one or more communication modules mounted in the plurality of communication module mounting slots to the control unit. The control unit automatically recognizes one or more sensor modules mounted in the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to operate normally, receives and stores sensing information generated by one or more mounted sensor modules, and stores the plurality of sensor modules. One or more communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slot are automatically recognized to operate normally, and the stored sensing information is controlled to be transmitted to the outside through a predetermined automatic recognized communication module. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device may select and drive the modular sensor unit and the modular communication unit as a desired sensor module and communication module, and may freely remove or replace the preconfigured sensor module and communication module with another one.

In example embodiments, the plurality of sensor modules may include a current sensor that detects an amount of current supplied to the load.

In example embodiments, the power transmission unit may further include a wire path opening and closing switch disposed at a predetermined point on the wire path to open and close the wire path in response to a switching signal provided by the controller.

In example embodiments, the controller may generate the switching signal based on a control signal for opening and closing the wire path received and transmitted by the one or more communication modules.

In example embodiments, the plurality of sensor module mounting slots may be integrally provided in the platform body, and the sensor module interface may be embedded in the platform body.

In example embodiments, the sensor module interface may include a plurality of sensor module interfaces, and the plurality of sensor module mounting slots and the plurality of sensor module interfaces may be paired with each other in a one-to-one pair and may be independent of each other. Consists of an integrated sensor module interface block, the plurality of mounting slots integrated sensor module interface block may be selectively detachably mounted to the platform body as needed.

In example embodiments, the controller may be configured as a microprocessor, but may be configured as a modular structure that can be extended to a plurality of microprocessors as needed.

In example embodiments, each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a connection pin in a standardized arrangement, and each of the plurality of sensor module mounting slots includes a connection terminal hole in a standardized arrangement. Each of the connection pins may be inserted into the connection terminal hole of each of the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to be electrically connected to each other.

In example embodiments, each of the plurality of sensor modules stores unique identification information, and the controller stores identification information and a driving program of each of all the sensor modules constituting the modular sensor unit. The control unit receives the identification information of the arbitrary sensor module through the sensor module interface when an arbitrary sensor module is mounted in the sensor module mounting slot, and executes a driving program of the sensor module corresponding to the identification information to execute the arbitrary program. The sensor module can be controlled to operate normally.

In example embodiments, each of the plurality of communication modules stores unique identification information, and the controller stores identification information and a driving program of each of all communication modules constituting the modular communication unit. The control unit receives the identification information of the arbitrary communication module through the communication module interface when an arbitrary communication module is mounted in the communication module mounting slot, and executes the driving program of the communication module corresponding to the identification information to execute the arbitrary program. The communication module can be controlled to operate normally.

In an exemplary embodiment, when there are a plurality of communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slot, the controller controls the plurality of communication modules to automatically select and operate a priority communication module according to a predetermined priority. When the priority communication module is inoperative, the subordinate communication module can be controlled to operate.

On the other hand, the modular smart sensor-plug system according to the embodiments for realizing an object of the present invention includes one or more modular smart sensor-plug platform device, processing unit, and driving unit. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device has the same configuration as above. The processing unit communicates with the modular communication unit to determine and analyze a detection signal of the sensor module received from the modular communication unit, and transmits the determined processing signal to the modular communication unit or the driving unit. The driver performs driving on a predetermined driver based on the determined processing signal received from the processing unit.

In example embodiments, the processing unit may be configured in a modular structure.

In example embodiments, the driver may be driven by relay switching or an alarm.

The modular smart sensor-plug platform device according to the present invention can be easily mounted by selecting only a sensor module and a communication module necessary or suitable for an application target such as a monitoring target facility or environment, and making the configuration desired. If necessary, the type of sensor module and / or communication module may be added or replaced ex post. Therefore, the object or environment that can be applied can be very wide and varied, and can be used as an almost universal means. That is, a large number of sensor signals required by any facility or environment can be efficiently collected and operated. Even if the elements to be monitored and the communication environment are various, the desired monitoring system can be constructed by applying the modular smart sensor-plug platform device according to the present invention. According to the required characteristics, the user can directly configure and operate the desired sensor and communication unit, it is possible to conveniently build a smart sensor-plug system considering the user convenience. For example, it can be flexibly applied to the situation where complex sensor signals are required in various fields such as production environment monitoring of manufacturing plants, production equipment (equipment) monitoring, off-grid power production monitoring in remote environments, and power production environment monitoring.

 In addition, simply mounting the sensor module or communication module in the mounting slot, the control unit automatically identifies what kind of thing is mounted to control to operate normally. Therefore, the ease of use is also excellent.

1 is a perspective view showing a modular smart plug platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a modular smart sensor-plug platform device including a smart plug platform shown in FIG. 1, a sensor module and a communication module to be mounted thereto.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting slot integrated sensor module interface according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a modular smart sensor-plug platform device when the mounting slot integrated sensor module interface of FIG. 3 is employed.
5 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a modular smart sensor-plug system constructed using the modular smart sensor-plug platform device of FIG. 2 or 4.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a modular smart sensor-plug system configured by using a plurality of modular smart sensor-plug platform devices of FIG. 2 or 4.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the drawings, and duplicate descriptions of the same elements are omitted.

For the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, specific structural to functional descriptions are merely illustrated for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. That is, the present invention may be modified in various ways and may have various forms. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof described on the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof. In addition, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

1 illustrates a modular smart plug platform 90 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a smart plug platform 90 shown in FIG. 1, sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P and communication modules 410-1, 410-2,. .., 410-M) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100.

1 and 2, the platform body 190 may include a power transmission unit 170, a modular sensor unit 200, a control unit 300, and a modular communication unit 400.

The platform body 190 is connected to all the components constituting the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100, that is, the power transmission unit 170, the modular sensor unit 200, the control unit 300, and the modular communication unit 400. It serves as a physical base or housing that allows them to be housed, mounted, and supported so that the whole is organically combined to form a single device. The platform body 190 may be made of, for example, a plastic material having good insulation.

The power transmission unit 170 may include first and second electrical connectors 150 and 160 and an electric wire path 155. The first electrical connection unit 150 is electrically connected to an external power source that provides power for driving the load and receives an external power source. The second electrical connection unit 160 is provided as a passage for making an electrical connection with the wire end portion 220, for example, a plug, connected to the load, and delivering external power input through the first electrical connection unit 150 to the load side. The second electrical connector 160 may be made of, for example, an outlet structure so that the plug terminal 220 provided at the end of the wire connected to the load can be inserted to make an electrical connection. The first and second electrical connectors 150 and 160 may be electrically connected to each other through the wire path 155.

The power transmission unit 170 may further include an electric wire open / close switch 165 disposed at a predetermined point on the electric wire path 155. The wire opening and closing switch 165 may play a role of opening and closing the wire path 155 in response to a switching signal provided by the controller 300 to be described later.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the modular sensor unit 200 is a variety of different types of sensor modules (210-1 ~ 210-P), sensor module mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120- P) and the sensor module interface 110.

The plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P may each be a sensor that detects a physical / chemical amount or a change of a predetermined object and outputs the detection data. For example, the plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P include current, voltage, heat, light, temperature, pressure, sound, illuminance, magnetic field, acceleration, humidity, smell, flow, and slope. It may be a collection of various types of sensors capable of detecting ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, smoke, dust, and concentrations of various types of gases (CO 2 and VOC), respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 200-1 may be a current sensor. In this case, the first sensor 200-1 may include, for example, a current conversion coil 214 surrounding the wire path 155 to which power is supplied from the power source to the load. For example, the current conversion coil 214 may be installed around the second electrical connection 160. As a result, the first sensor 200-1 may detect the amount of current supplied to the load through the wire path 155 and the plug terminal 220 through the current conversion coil 214.

The plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P may be physically independent of each other. That is, each sensor module 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P may be configured in a structure that is physically mounted in a housing or a case separate from each other. Therefore, according to the needs of the user, a desired one among the plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P may be selected and configured as a sensor of the modular sensor unit 200.

The sensor modules 210-1 to 210-P and the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P can easily attach and detach the desired sensor module to the mounting slot. Can be configured in a manner.

Electrical connection with each sensor module mounting slot 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P in each of the plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P Connection pins 212 may be provided to be exposed to the outside to achieve this. The arrangement form of the connection pins 212 of each sensor module 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P may be standardized and configured identically. As such, when the arrangement of the connection pins 212 of the plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P is the same regardless of the type of the sensor module, a plurality of sensor module mounting slots to be described later Since it can be mounted in any of the mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P), there is no room for a problem of misfitting.

The plurality of sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P are equipped with a plurality of sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P as necessary. It may be composed of a structure that can be separated or detached. That is, it can be mounted detachably. The plurality of sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2,..., 120 -P may be provided to be exposed to the outer surface of the platform body 190. Connection terminal holes are provided in each of the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P. Connection terminal holes of each of the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P are preferably arranged in the same shape. In addition, connection terminal holes of the respective sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P are connected to each of the sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P. It is necessary to be provided in the same arrangement as the connecting pins 212. That is, when the connection pins 212 and the connection terminal holes have the same arrangement regardless of the type or position of the sensor module and the sensor module mounting slot, the sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P ), There is a convenience that can be mounted regardless of the position of the sensor module mounting slot (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P). The user can select the desired sensor module as needed and mount it in any mounting slot if it is empty among the plurality of sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P.

The sensor module interface 110 electrically connects each sensor module mounted in the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2,..., 120 -P to the control unit 300. That is, the connection terminals of the respective sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P and the corresponding ports of the controller 300 are electrically connected.

According to the modular sensor unit 200 as described above, the user selects only the desired sensor module among the various types of sensor modules (210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P) that is secured to any empty Sensor module mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P) can be mounted. Thereby, the sensor part 200 comprised only with the desired sensor module can be comprised.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the modular communication unit 400 is a plurality of communication modules (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M), a plurality of communication module mounting slots (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M), and the communication module interface 130. The modular communication unit 400 may also be configured in the same concept as the modular sensor unit 200. In other words, it is possible to select only a communication module supporting a communication method desired by a user and mount it in any empty communication module mounting slot.

The plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2,..., 410 -M may be configured physically independent of each other. Therefore, the communication means of the modularized communication unit 400 may be configured by selecting only a desired one among the plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2,..., 410 -M according to a user's needs. Each of the plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2,..., 410 -M includes communication means capable of communicating with the outside in different communication methods. That is, the communication means of each communication module (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M) may be configured in a structure that is physically mounted in a separate housing or case. Here, the communication means of each communication module may be a communication means supporting a communication method developed in the future as well as a communication means supporting a currently known communication method.

Electrical connection with each communication module mounting slot (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M) in each of the plurality of communication modules (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M) Connection pins 412 may be provided to be exposed to the outside to achieve this. The arrangement of the connection pins 412 of the communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M may be the same as each other by standardizing. As such, when the arrangement of the connection pins 412 of the plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M is the same regardless of the type of the communication module, a plurality of communication module mounting slots to be described later It can be mounted in any of the mounting slots (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M), thus eliminating the problem of incorrect mounting.

A plurality of communication module mounting slots (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M) is mounted as needed a plurality of communication modules (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M) It may be composed of a structure that can be separated or detached. That is, it can be mounted detachably.

The plurality of communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2,..., 140 -M may be provided to be exposed to the outer surface of the platform body 190. Connection terminal holes are provided in each of the plurality of communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M. The connection terminal holes of the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M are preferably arranged in the same shape. In addition, the connection terminal holes of each of the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M are connected to each of the communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M. It is necessary to be provided in the same arrangement as the connecting pins (412). That is, when the connection pins 412 and the connection terminal holes have the same arrangement regardless of the type or position of the sensor module and the sensor module mounting slot, the communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M ) Can be mounted regardless of the position of the communication module mounting slot (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M). The user can select a desired communication module and install it in any mounting slot if it is empty among the plurality of communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M.

The communication module interface 130 is mounted on each of the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M, and each communication module 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410 -M) may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 in a distinguishable manner. That is, the connection terminals of the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M and the corresponding ports of the control unit 300 are electrically connected.

According to the modular communication unit 400 as described above, the user selects only the desired communication module from the various types of communication modules (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M) that is secured any arbitrary It can be installed in the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M. Thereby, the communication unit 400 composed of only the desired communication module can be configured.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication methods supported by the plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M are, for example, NFC, Wifi, Bluetooth, UWB, IrDA, Zigbee, RF, etc. Short-range wireless communication; Long-range wireless communications such as GMS, Radio modem, WSSM, satellite communications, and shortwave communications; And wired communication. The modular communication unit 400 includes a single communication module supporting any one of these communication methods or a plurality of communication methods suitable for an environment in which the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 is installed and operated. It may include a communication module. In the latter case, the control unit 300 may control to automatically select and operate the plurality of communication modules mounted in the plurality of communication module mounting slots according to a predetermined priority. That is, the priority communication module may be selected and controlled to operate automatically, and when the priority communication module is inoperable, the subordinate communication module may be controlled to operate. For example, when the modular communication unit 400 includes three communication modules, the control unit 300 controls the priority communication module to operate preferentially, and if the priority communication module does not operate, its subordinate communication module is in order. Can be controlled to work accordingly.

Modular communication unit 400 is a sensor module mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P) mounted in the sensor module (210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P) The measured signal information may be transmitted to an external processor 500 to be described later. In addition, the modular communication unit 400 may receive a signal transmitted by the processing unit 500 after processing the signal information and transmit the signal to the driving unit 600 or the control unit 300 or process a command signal to be processed by the communication unit by itself. .

The controller 300 automatically recognizes one or a plurality of sensor modules mounted in the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P, and the mounted sensor module operates normally. It may be controlled to generate the sensing signal information. In addition, the controller 300 automatically recognizes one or a plurality of communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M, and the sensing measured by the sensor module. The signal information may be controlled to be transmitted to the processor 500 and / or the driver 600 which will be described later.

The controller 300 may be installed on the platform body 190 and implemented using resources having data storage and program execution capability. The controller 300 may be implemented as a single or a plurality of processors according to the required environment and specification level. The controller 300 may be configured as a modular structure that can expand various processing devices such as a microprocessor such as an Arduino, a Raspberry Pi, a micro controller unit (MCU), a CPU and a memory by using one or more. . The controller 300 may execute a predetermined built-in program with such a processing device to perform control.

The conductive lines 115-1, 115-2,..., 115 -P of the sensor module interface 110 may be electrically connected to different ports of the processing apparatus constituting the controller 300, respectively. Conductors 135-1, 135-2,..., 135 -M of the communication module interface 130 may likewise be electrically connected to different ports of the processing apparatus constituting the controller 300. .

Through such a connection, for example, the sensor module 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P and the communication module 410-1, 410 which are connected to each port of the microcontroller constituting the control unit 300, for example. -2, ..., 410-M) can be identified and recognized. That is, the controller 300 may include one or more sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ... mounted in the plurality of sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P. , 210-P) can automatically recognize and drive normally. Furthermore, the sensing information generated by one or more sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P is received and stored in a memory, and the processing related to the stored sensing information can be performed later. Can be.

The control unit 300 also includes one or more communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ... mounted in the plurality of communication module mounting slots 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M. 410-M) can be automatically recognized and driven normally. In addition, the sensing information stored in the memory can be controlled to be transmitted to the outside through a predetermined automatically recognized communication module.

In order to automatically recognize and drive the sensor module, each sensor module stores unique identification information, and correspondingly, the control unit 300 includes identification information of all the sensor modules constituting the modular sensor unit 200 and respective driving programs. This can be stored. Similarly, in order to automatically recognize and drive the communication module, each communication module stores unique identification information, and correspondingly, the control unit 300 stores identification information of all communication modules constituting the modular communication unit 400 and drives each of them. The program can be stored.

If a sensor module is mounted in the sensor module mounting slots 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P, the processing apparatus of the controller 300 monitors a voltage appearing at a port corresponding to the corresponding mounting slot. It can be recognized that the module is mounted. The processing device of the control unit 300 communicates with the sensor module connected to the mounting slot through the sensor module interface 110 and receives its identification information from the sensor module and compares it with the list of sensor module identification information registered therein. By doing so, the type of the sensor module can be automatically identified. The processing device of the control unit 300 may execute the driver program of the identified sensor module to control the control unit 300 to collect the signal information measured by the mounted sensor module and provide it to the control unit 300.

Similarly, the processing unit of the control unit 300 may monitor the voltage appearing at any port connected to the communication module interface 130 to recognize that any communication module is newly installed in any communication module mounting slot, and the mounting thereof. By comparing the identification information provided by communicating with the communication module and the registered communication module identification information list, it is possible to automatically identify the type of the mounted communication module. In addition, the processing apparatus of the controller 300 may execute the driver program of the identified communication module to control the mounted communication module to perform a normal communication function. When a plurality of communication modules are mounted at one time, the control unit 300 may control the mounted communication modules to operate according to their operation priority.

The control unit 300 may also receive the received signal from the corresponding communication module when a signal processed by the processing unit 500 and fed back through the communication unit 400 is received. If the final destination of the received signal is the driving unit 600 or the sensor unit 200, the control unit 300 may control the signal to be delivered to the corresponding final destination. For example, the controller 300 may generate a switching signal based on a control signal for opening and closing the wire path 155 received and transmitted by one or more communication modules, and provide the switching signal to the wire open / close switch 165.

According to the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 of the above configuration, the sensor modules (210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P) and communication modules (410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M except the other components, that is, the platform body 190, the power transmission unit 170, the control unit 300, a plurality of sensor module mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ... , 120-P) and the sensor module interface 110, the plurality of communication module mounting slots (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M) and the communication module interface 130 is a plurality of sensor modules ( 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P) and a plurality of communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M may function as a smart sensor-plug platform. .

A user may use various sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P of the modular sensor unit 200 and various communication modules 410-1, 410-2, of the modular communication unit 400. ..., 410-M) to select the desired sensor module and communication module mounted sensor module mounting slots (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P) and communication module provided in the platform body 190 The module 140 may be configured with the modular sensor unit 200 and the modular communication unit 400 as long as the slot 140-1, 140-2,. Therefore, considering the monitoring target and supported communication methods, the sensor complex smart plug can be configured most appropriately. At this time, the control unit 300 is the sensor module mounting slot (120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P) and the communication module mounting slot (140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M) It automatically identifies what kind of sensor module and communication module are installed on the board and executes the driver program suitable for it, so that the mounted sensor module and communication module can be operated normally. The user may freely remove the preconfigured sensor module and communication module or replace with another sensor module or communication module as necessary. The control unit 300 may automatically identify and remove the newly removed and newly mounted, and support and control the finishing operation.

The platform body 190 may be provided with a control signal connection port 180 that can send and receive a control signal from the outside to the controller 300 in a wired manner.

3 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting slot integrated sensor module interface 1110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a modularized smart sensor plug when employing the mounting slot integrated sensor module interface 1110 of FIG. 3. An electrical configuration of the platform device 1100 is shown.

3 and 4, unlike the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 1100 may have a mounting slot integrated sensor module interface 1110. And a mounting slot integrated communication module interface 1300. Hereinafter, only the differences from the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 will be described briefly.

The mounting slot integrated sensor module interface 1110 may include a plurality of mounting slot integrated sensor module interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2,..., 1110 -P. Each interface block 1110-1, 1110-2,..., 1110 -P may be assembled in a form that is selectively detachably mounted to the platform body 190. The platform body 190 may be provided with a plurality of mounting grooves into which the plurality of interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2,..., 1110 -P may be inserted and mounted in the platform body 190. If necessary, the interface block mounted in the mounting grooves can be removed. The interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2,..., 1110 -P and the mounting grooves may all be formed in a standardized size.

Mounting slots on which the sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P may be mounted on the upper surfaces of the plurality of interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2, ..., 1110-P. 1200-1, 1200-2,..., 1200 -P may be provided. The mounting slots 1200-1, 1200-2,..., 1200 -P may have the same structure as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. On the bottom or side of the plurality of interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2, ..., 1110-P, the sensor module mounted in the mounting slot is connected to the sensor module interface leads 1120-1, 1120-2, .. 1120-P) may be provided with connection terminals (not shown) for electrically connecting. Therefore, the interface blocks 1110-1, 1110-2,..., 1110 -P mounted in the mounting grooves have their connection terminals and interface leads 1120-1, 1120-2,. ) May be electrically connected to the controller 300.

The mounting slot integrated communication module interface 1300 may include a plurality of mounting slot integrated communication module interface blocks 13000-1, 1300-2,..., 1300 -P. Each communication module interface block 13000-1, 1300-2,..., 1300 -P may be detachably assembled to the platform body 190. The platform body 190 may be provided with a plurality of mounting grooves in which a plurality of communication module interface blocks 13000-1, 1300-2,..., 1300 -P may be inserted and mounted in the platform body 190. have. If necessary, the interface block mounted in the mounting grooves can be removed. The communication module interface blocks 13000-1, 1300-2,..., 1300 -P and the mounting grooves may all be formed in a standardized size.

Mounting slots on which the communication module 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M may be mounted on the upper surface of the communication module interface blocks 13000-1, 1300-2, ..., 1300-P. (1400-1, 1400-2, ..., 1400-M) can be provided, the communication mounted on the mounting slots (1400-1, 1400-2, ..., 1400-M) on the bottom or side Connection terminals (not shown) for electrically connecting the module to the communication module interface leads 1310-1, 1310-2,..., 1310 -M may be provided. Therefore, the communication module interface blocks 1300-1, 1300-2,..., 1300 -P mounted in the mounting grooves have their connection terminals and interface leads 1310-1, 1310-2, ..., 1310. -P) may be electrically connected to the control unit 300.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a basic configuration of the modular smart sensor-plug system 1000 constructed using the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100 of FIG. 2 or 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the modular smart sensor-plug system 1000 may include a modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100, a processor 500, and a driver 600.

The processor 500 receives and analyzes detection signals of the sensor modules 210-1, 210-2,..., 210 -P from the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100 to make a decision and the like. The same predetermined processing may be performed, and the processing signals obtained as a result of the processing may be transmitted to the communication unit 400 or the driver 600 of the plurality of modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100 or 1100.

In order to perform such processing and operations, the processing unit 500 communicates with the computer unit and the communication unit 400 and the driving unit 600 of the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100 to perform necessary data processing. It may include a communication unit (not shown) for. The computer device of the processing unit 500 may be implemented as, for example, a cloud server computing device or a fog computing device. A single or multiple processing means, such as an artificial intelligence server computer reflecting artificial intelligence algorithms including rule base algorithms and machine learning, or a server computer applying fog computing technology on a network-connected general purpose computer or a cloud server computing device. It can be implemented using.

The processor 500 collects and stores sensing data from a single or multiple modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100 through its communication unit, performs a predetermined process on the sensing data, and performs a process. You can decide. In addition, the processing unit 500 may transmit the processing signal according to the determined intention to the communication unit 400 or the driving unit 600 so that the n modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100 or 1100 may be independently or integrally controlled. Can be sent. For example, in controlling a plurality of modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100 or 1100, a decision to preferentially control a large load of equipment on an AI or manager rule-based algorithm among a plurality of equipment having various loads. The processing algorithm for doing this may be reflected in the processing unit 500.

The driver 600 may perform appropriate driving on a predetermined driver based on a decision signal received from the communication unit 400 of the processing unit 500 or the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100. For example, the driving unit 600 may output at least some of various methods such as outputting a driving signal to a relay, outputting an alarm (text transmission, warning lamp lighting, etc.) through an output means, transmitting a signal to a predetermined destination, operating a predetermined actuator, and demonstrating data. The driver can be driven in the manner of. Through this, the driving unit 600 provides the appropriate information to the operator, manager, user, etc. or by controlling the equipment or system to operate the equipment and system at the optimal or safe level, operating speed, power on / off, operation Functions to control the operating environment of the equipment, such as adjusting time and incident conditions.

In an exemplary embodiment of the modular smart sensor-plug system 1000, the control unit 300 controls and modulates the sensor unit 200 and the communication unit 400 and the modular smart sensor-plug devices 100, 1100 and the processing unit 500. And a connection with the driving unit 600. Identification information for the sensor modules 210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P, the communication modules 410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M, the driver 600, Minimal setting information such as a driving program may be stored in a processing device of the controller 300 or a storage device (not shown) of the processor 500. When the setting information is stored in the storage device of the processing unit 500, the control unit 300 may download the setting information from the processing unit 500. The control unit 300 may record events of the sensor unit 200, the communication unit 400, the processing unit 500, and the driving unit 600, store setting information, and synchronize with the server. When the sensor module or the communication module is installed or replaced, the controller 300 may automatically identify the sensor module, the communication module, or the like by using the setting information and perform operation control.

In addition, when the sensing data is not transmitted from the sensor unit 200, the controller 300 may generate an alarm and instruct an initialization and restart command of the sensor unit 200. The controller 300 may generate an alarm and instruct an initialization and connection reset command of the communicator 400 even when data is not transmitted from the communicator 400. Despite taking such measures as initializing the communication unit and resetting the connection, if normal data transmission and reception are not performed in the communication module currently in use, the control unit 300 is automatically switched to another communication module having a preset subordinated communication connection. It can be controlled so that it can be secured. The controller 300 may check the result of performing the control command of the driver 600, and if the driver 600 does not follow the command indicated by the driver 600, may generate an alarm and perform a command retransmission function.

The operation between the modular smart sensor-plug platform device 100 or 1100, the processing unit 500, and the driving unit 600 constituting the modular smart sensor plug system 1000 may be performed in a closed feedback loop. Can be.

 FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of a modular smart sensor plug system 2000 configured by using a plurality of modular smart sensor plug devices 100 and 1100 of FIG. 2 or 4.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the modular smart sensor-plug system 2000 includes a plurality of modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100-1, 100-2,. The four driving units 600-1, 600-2,..., 600 -N may be communicatively coupled. The sensor units 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-N constituting each of the modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100-1, 100-2, ..., 100-N are different from each other. It may include a sensor module. Similarly, the communication units 400-1, 400-2, ..., 400-N constituting each of the modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100-1, 100-2, ..., 100-N are different. It may include a communication module.

The processor 500 may receive a sensing signal from the plurality of modular smart sensor-plug platform devices 100-1, 100-2,..., 100 -N simultaneously or sequentially to perform a predetermined process.

Such a modular smart sensor-plug system 1000 or 2000 can be applied, for example, to energy and environmental monitoring and to facility and environmental control through it. According to the modular smart sensor-plug system 1000, various sensor modules and communication modules may be prepared in advance, and a user may directly select and configure a sensor module and a communication module suitable for the facility and environment to which the application is applied. Therefore, the most suitable sensor and communication unit in any environment can be configured to elastic or variable. For example, it can be applied to the situation where complex sensor signal is required in various fields such as production environment monitoring of manufacturing plant, production equipment (equipment) monitoring, off-grid power production monitoring in remote environment, and power production environment monitoring.

The present invention provides monitoring of the consumption and / or production of electrical energy in a production facility or various environments, monitoring of facilities and environments in various manufacturing facilities, integrated monitoring of the indoor environment of a home or office space and the results of the monitoring. Can be used for the control based on.

Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can variously modify and change the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. It will be appreciated. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than the described method, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components. Or even if replaced or substituted by equivalents, an appropriate result can be achieved. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are within the scope of the claims that follow.

100, 1100: modular smart sensor-plug platform device
110: sensor module interface
120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-P: Sensor module mounting slot
130: communication module interface
140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-M: Communication module mounting slot
150: first electrical connection 160: second electrical connection
165: cable line 170: power transmission unit
190: platform body 200: modular sensor unit
210-1, 210-2, ..., 210-P: Sensor module
214: current conversion coil 300: control unit
410-1, 410-2, ..., 410-M: communication module
400: modular communication unit 500: processing unit
600: drive unit
1000, 2000: Modular Smart Sensor-Plug System
1110: mounting slot integrated sensor module interface
1110-1, 1110-2, ..., 1110-P: mounting slot integrated sensor module interface block
1200-1, 1200-2, ..., 1200-P: mounting slot

Claims (14)

Platform body;
First and second electrical connections electrically connected to an external power source and a load, respectively; And a power transmission line electrically connected to the first and second electrical connection portions, the power transmission unit being provided in the platform body.
A control unit installed in the platform body and executing control by executing a predetermined built-in program;
A plurality of sensor modules configured as modules that are physically independent of each other, and respectively detecting physical or chemical amounts or changes of a predetermined object and outputting detection data thereof; A plurality of sensor module mounting slots provided to be detachably mounted to the plurality of sensor modules as needed; And a sensor module interface configured to electrically connect one or more sensor modules respectively mounted on the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to the control unit. And
A plurality of communication modules configured independently of each other and capable of communicating with the outside in different communication methods; A plurality of communication module mounting slots provided to be detachably mounted to the plurality of communication modules as needed; And a modular communication unit including a communication module interface for electrically connecting one or more communication modules mounted on the plurality of communication module mounting slots to the control unit.
The control unit automatically recognizes one or more sensor modules mounted in the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to operate normally, receives and stores sensing information generated by one or more mounted sensor modules, and stores the plurality of sensor modules. Automatically recognizes one or more communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slot to operate normally, and controls the stored sensing information to be transmitted to the outside through a predetermined automatic recognized communication module,
Modularized smart sensor-plug platform, characterized in that the modular sensor unit and the modular communication unit can be selected and driven as the desired sensor module and communication module, and can freely remove or replace the preconfigured sensor module and communication module Device. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor modules include a current sensor that detects an amount of current supplied to the load. The modular smart sensor plug of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit further comprises a wire path opening and closing switch disposed at a predetermined point on the wire path to open and close the wire path in response to a switching signal provided by the controller. Platform device. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device of claim 3, wherein the controller generates the switching signal based on a control signal relating to opening and closing of the wire path received and transmitted by the one or more communication modules. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor module mounting slots are integrally provided in the platform body, and the sensor module interface is embedded in the platform body. The sensor module interface of claim 1, wherein the sensor module interface includes a plurality of sensor module interfaces, and the plurality of sensor module mounting slots and the plurality of sensor module interfaces are paired with each other in a one-to-one manner, and the plurality of mounting slot integrated sensors are independent of each other. And a plurality of mounting slot integrated sensor module interface blocks may be selectively detachably mounted to the platform body as needed. The modular smart sensor-plug platform device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured as a microprocessor, but has a modular structure that can be expanded to a plurality of microprocessors as needed. The sensor module of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes connection pins in a standardized arrangement, and each of the plurality of sensor module mounting slots includes connection terminal holes in a standardized arrangement. The connecting pins are inserted into the connection terminal hole of each of the plurality of sensor module mounting slots modular smart sensor-plug platform device, characterized in that electrically connected to each other. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules stores unique identification information, and the controller stores identification information and a driving program of each of the sensor modules constituting the modular sensor unit.
The control unit receives the identification information of the arbitrary sensor module through the sensor module interface when an arbitrary sensor module is mounted in the sensor module mounting slot, and executes a driving program of the sensor module corresponding to the identification information to execute the arbitrary program. Modular smart sensor-plug platform device, characterized in that for controlling the sensor module to operate normally. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of communication modules stores unique identification information, and the controller stores identification information and a driving program of each of all communication modules constituting the modular communication unit.
The control unit receives the identification information of the arbitrary communication module through the communication module interface when an arbitrary communication module is mounted in the communication module mounting slot, and executes the driving program of the communication module corresponding to the identification information to execute the arbitrary Modular smart sensor-plug platform device, characterized in that for controlling the communication module to operate normally. The method of claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slot, the controller controls the plurality of communication modules to automatically select and operate a priority communication module according to a predetermined priority, The modular smart sensor-plug platform device, characterized in that for controlling the subordinate communication module to operate when the communication module is inoperative. One or more modular smart sensor-plug platform devices;
Processing unit; And
With a driving unit,
The modular smart sensor-plug platform device,
Platform body;
First and second electrical connections electrically connected to an external power source and a load, respectively; And a power transmission line electrically connected to the first and second electrical connection portions, the power transmission unit being provided in the platform body.
A control unit installed in the platform body and executing control by executing a predetermined built-in program;
A plurality of sensor modules configured as modules that are physically independent of each other, and respectively detecting physical or chemical amounts or changes of a predetermined object and outputting detection data thereof; A plurality of sensor module mounting slots provided to be detachably mounted to the plurality of sensor modules as needed; And a sensor module interface configured to electrically connect one or more sensor modules respectively mounted on the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to the control unit. And
A plurality of communication modules configured independently of each other and capable of communicating with the outside in different communication methods; A plurality of communication module mounting slots provided to be detachably mounted to the plurality of communication modules as needed; And a modular communication unit including a communication module interface for electrically connecting one or more communication modules mounted on the plurality of communication module mounting slots to the control unit.
The control unit automatically recognizes one or more sensor modules mounted in the plurality of sensor module mounting slots to operate normally, receives and stores sensing information generated by one or more mounted sensor modules, and stores the plurality of sensor modules. Automatically recognizes one or more communication modules mounted in the communication module mounting slot to operate normally, and controls the stored sensing information to be transmitted to the outside through a predetermined automatic recognized communication module,
The modular smart sensor-plug platform device may select and drive the modular sensor unit and the modular communication unit as a desired sensor module and communication module, and may freely remove or replace a preconfigured sensor module and communication module,
The processing unit communicates with the modular communication unit to analyze and determine the detection signal of the sensor module received from the modular communication unit, and transmits the determined processing signal to the modular communication unit or the driving unit,
And the driving unit drives a predetermined driver based on the determined processing signal received from the processing unit. The modular smart sensor-plug system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the processing unit and the driving unit has a modular structure. The modular smart sensor-plug system according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is driven by a relay switching or an alarm method.

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